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GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
The University of Fairfax offers the following graduate degree programs:
Dual Degree
Students who hold a baccalaureate degree may apply for a program of
study which leads to two consecutive degrees, the MSISM and the DIA,
on an accelerated schedule. These students are required to follow a
program of study consisting of 90 semester credits, which includes
core, specialization-specific, elective, research and dissertation
courses. The MSISM degree is awarded after successful completion of
the required 36 semester credits.
Students who hold a baccalaureate degree may apply for a program of
study which leads to the awarding of both the MSISM and MSEM. These
students are required to follow a program of study consisting of 54
semester credits, which includes core, specialization-specific, and
elective courses. The first MS degree is awarded after successful
completion of the required 36 semester credits for that degree.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Doctorate in Information Assurance (DIA)
This degree program helps students to advance their Information Assurance careers in government, industry or academia. Students develop field research competencies that enable them to undertake applied research that results in a contribution to the field of Information Assurance.
Program Objectives
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To gain expertise in a specialized field of study based upon theory, concepts and skills relevant to Information Assurance practitioners.
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To apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the exploration of a specialized field of study relevant to Information Assurance practitioners.
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To demonstrate integration of the core concepts of risk analysis, project planning, and change management through the completion of the Qualifying Exam.
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To demonstrate mastery of literature-based research skills and APA documentation and citation requirements through the completion of Level I Comprehensive Exams.
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To develop primary field research competencies that can result in a contribution to knowledge in a specialized field of study relevant to Information Assurance practitioners.
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To contribute new Information Assurance knowledge by conducting application- or problem-driven research which extends prior empirically developed research.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this degree program, graduates will be able to:
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Establish the rationale and objectives for conducting primary research in a specialized area of Information Assurance.
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Demonstrate knowledge and synthesis of the current body of literature with respect to a specialized area of Information Assurance.
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Apply appropriate methodologies and analysis techniques in conducting primary field research in a specialized area of Information Assurance.
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Contribute to the body of knowledge through the documentation of field research methods and findings resulting from conducting primary field research in a specialized area of Information Assurance.
Qualifying Exam
Doctoral students enrolled in the DIA program must pass the Qualifying Exam. This exam, which is the required deliverable for the IA 9200 course, consists of a 20-25 page Strategic Risk Mitigation Plan. This plan must integrate principles and techniques of risk analysis, project planning, and change management.
Comprehensive Exams (Level I)
Doctoral students enrolled in the DIA program must pass Level I Comprehensive Exams. Level I Comprehensive Exams consist of three 25-30 page research papers which are the required deliverables for IA8220, IA8230 and IA8240 and must demonstrate mastery of content and literature-based research skills, while utilizing APA format and citation requirements. If necessary, students may repeat any or all of the Level I Comprehensive Exams.
Credit Requirements
The Doctorate in Information Assurance consists of a total of 64 semester credits beyond a Master’s degree, including 24 credits of core courses, 9 credits of specialization-specific courses and 31 credits of research-related courses.
To ensure that students make steady progress towards the completion of their dissertations, the University has developed the Dissertation Project Plan. This plan consists of a series of deliverables students produce in research methods courses and dissertation courses.
Click here for the DIA Curriculum Overview.
Click here for the Course Descriptions.
Doctor of Science in Information Assurance (DSc)
This degree program helps students to advance their Information Assurance careers in government, industry or academia. Students develop field research competencies that enable them to undertake applied research that results in a theoretical contribution to the field of Information Assurance.
Program Objectives:
- To gain expertise in a specialized field of study based upon theory, concepts and skills relevant to Information Assurance practitioners.
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To apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the exploration of a specialized field of study designed to advance theoretical concepts relevant to Information Assurance research.
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To demonstrate integration of the core concepts of risk analysis, project planning, and change management through the completion of the Qualifying Exam.
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To demonstrate mastery of literature-based research skills and APA documentation and citation formats through the completion of Level I Comprehensive Exams.
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To demonstrate mastery of selected domains within the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) in Information Security through the completion of Level II Comprehensive Exams.
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To develop primary field research competencies that can result in an “industry driven” contribution to knowledge in a specialized field of study relevant to Information Assurance practitioners.
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To contribute new Information Assurance knowledge by conducting an a priori hypothesis test which extends prior empirically developed theoretical research.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this degree program, graduates will be able to:
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Establish the rationale and objectives for conducting primary research in a specialized area of Information Assurance.
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Demonstrate knowledge and synthesis of the current body of literature with respect to a specialized area of Information Assurance.
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Apply appropriate hypothesis testing methodologies and analysis techniques in conducting theory driven primary field research in a specialized area of Information Assurance designed to test and advance theory and theoretical concepts.
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Contribute to the body of knowledge through the documentation of hypothesis testing research methods and findings resulting from conducting primary field research in a specialized area of Information Assurance.
Qualifying Exam
Doctoral students enrolled in the DSc program must pass the Qualifying Exam. This exam, which is the required deliverable for the IA 9200 course, consists of a 20-25 page Strategic Risk Mitigation Plan. This plan must integrate principles and techniques of risk analysis, project planning, and change management.
Comprehensive Exams (Level I and II)
Doctoral students enrolled in the DSc program must pass Level I and Level II Comprehensive Exams.
Level I Comprehensive Exams consist of three 25-30 page research papers which are the required deliverables for IA8220, IA8230 and IA8240 and must demonstrate mastery of content and literature-based research skills, while utilizing APA format and citation requirements.
Level II Comprehensive Exams consist of two 25-30 page papers addressing research questions relating to three of the ten Information Security domains known as the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). These exams must demonstrate mastery of the content and literature-based research skills, while utilizing APA format and citation requirements.
If necessary, students may repeat any or all of the Level I or Level II Comprehensive Exams.
Credit Requirements
The DSc consists of a total of 70 semester credits beyond a Master’s degree, including 24 credits of core courses, 9 credits of specialization-specific courses, and 37 credits of research-related courses. Students must pass Comprehensive Exams prior to beginning research-related courses.
To ensure that students make steady progress towards the completion of their dissertations, the University has developed the Dissertation Project Plan. This plan consists of a series of deliverables students produce in research methods courses and dissertation courses.
Click here for the DSc Curriculum Overview.
Click here for the Course Descriptions
Master of Science in Information Security Management (MSISM)
This degree program prepares students to be strategic and tactical contributors in the development, implementation and evaluation of enterprise level security programs. Specializations allow students to pursue a program of study which relates to their professional interests and goals.
Specializations
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Information Security Analysis (ISA)
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Information Security Auditing (IAU)
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Information System Certification (ISC)
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Information Security Engineering (ISE)
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Information Security Research (ISR)
Information Security Analysis (ISA)
Students develop competencies in implementing an enterprise strategic security plan by integrating effective security policies, standards, procedures and controls.
Information Security Auditing (IAU)
Students develop competencies in assessing network vulnerabilities, analyzing cyber evidence, enforcing data process controls, and establishing information protection programs.
Information System Certification (ISC)
Students develop competencies in supporting a management structure to certify and accredit information systems by developing policies, standards and procedures in accordance with a prescribed set of criteria.
Information Security Engineering (ISE)
Students develop competencies in assessing network vulnerabilities and attack methods as well as in designing and deploying counter-measures and resilient security architectures.
Information Security Research (ISR)
Doctoral students who have completed a minimum of 36 semester credits of a University of Fairfax doctoral degree program, but wish to discontinue studies, may be awarded an MSISM degree in Information Security Research. Should circumstances change in the future, the student may reapply to a University of Fairfax doctoral program with advanced standing.
Program Objectives
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To gain knowledge in a specialized field of study based upon theory, concepts and skills relevant to Information Security practitioners.
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To apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the analysis of issues relevant to Information Security practitioners.
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To utilize secondary research competencies in the analysis of issues relevant to Information Security practitioners.
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To develop the necessary skills and perspectives to address a specialized area of Information Security management.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:
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Compile, analyze, and assess the applicability of best practices in addressing Information Security issues.
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Evaluate the impact of business constraints and processes on the implementation of Information Security programs.
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Integrate principles and techniques of risk analysis, project planning and change management in the development of Information Security strategies.
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Utilize secondary research skills in the critical assessment and selection of information sources that are applicable and relevant to the development of approaches to Information Security challenges.
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Demonstrate mastery of theory, concepts and skills in addressing specialized aspects of Information Security issues.
Credit Requirements
The MSISM degree program consists of 36 semester credits beyond a baccalaureate degree, including 24 credits of core courses and 12 credits of specialization-specific courses.
Multiple Specializations
MSISM degree students may pursue multiple specializations. In addition to the core courses, each specialization requires completion of 12 credits of specialization-specific courses. However, a particular course applies only to one specialization; therefore, additional elective courses are required to fulfill credit requirements for additional specialization(s).
Click here for the MSISM Curriculum Overview.
Click here for the Course Descriptions.
Master of Science in Enterprise Management
This degree program prepares students to be strategic and tactical contributors in the development, implementation and evaluation of enterprise level programs. Specializations allow students to pursue a program of study which relates to their professional interests and goals.
Specializations
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Information Security Analysis (ISA) - Students develop competencies in implementing an enterprise strategic security plan by integrating effective security policies, standards, procedures and controls.
Program Objectives
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To gain knowledge in a specialized field of study based upon theory, concepts and skills relevant to managers.
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To apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the analysis of issues relevant to managers.
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To utilize secondary research competencies in the analysis of issues relevant to managers.
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To develop the necessary skills and perspectives to address a specialized area of enterprise management.
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Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this degree program, students will be able to:
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Compile, analyze, and assess the applicability of best practices in addressing enterprise management issues.
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Evaluate the impact of business constraints and processes on the implementation of enterprise programs.
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Integrate principles and techniques of risk analysis, project planning and change management in the development of enterprise strategies.
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Utilize secondary research skills in the critical assessment and selection of information sources that are applicable and relevant to the development of approaches to enterprise challenges.
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Demonstrate mastery of theory, concepts and skills in addressing specialized aspects of enterprise management issues.
Credit Requirements
The MSEM degree program consists of 36 semester credits beyond a baccalaureate degree, including 24 credits of core courses and 12 credits of specialization-specific courses.
Click here for the MSEM Curriculum Overview.
Click here for the Course Descriptions.
Graduate Certificate Program
Graduate certificates represent a level of achievement of technical competencies and project experience that relate to specialized fields of practice in Information Security. Requirements for earning a graduate certificate cannot be satisfied through transfer credit. Upon acceptance into a University of Fairfax degree program, students who have earned a grade of “B” or better in graduate certificate courses may request that those credits be applied to meet degree requirements.
Program Objectives
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To gain knowledge in a specialized field of study based upon theory, concepts and skills relevant to Information Security practitioners.
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To apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the analysis of issues relevant to Information Security practitioners.
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Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of a graduate certificate, students will be able to:
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Compile, analyze, and assess the applicability of best practices in addressing Information Security issues.
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Demonstrate mastery of theory, concepts and skills in addressing specialized aspects of Information Security issues.
Credit Requirements
Graduate certificates vary from 6 semester credits to 18 semester credits. However, the majority of offerings are 12 credits.
Multiple Graduate Certificates
Students may earn multiple graduate certificates concurrently or sequentially. Credits earned for one graduate certificate may be articulated to apply to one or more additional graduate certificate(s). A per credit articulation fee is charged.
Graduate Certificates
The University of Fairfax offers a variety of graduate certificates to meet the needs of Information Security professionals:
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NSA 4011 Information Systems Security Professional (ISSP)
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NSA 4012 Senior Systems Manager (SSM)
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Governance, Risk Management and Compliance (GRC)
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Information Security Analysis (ISA)
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Information Security Auditing (IAU)
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Information System Certification (ISC)
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Information Security Engineering (ISE)
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Information Security for the Enterprise (ISEN)
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CISSP Domain Best Practices (DBP)
Click here for the Graduate Certificate Curriculum Overview.
Click here for the Course Descriptions.
Click here to schedule your FREE Personal InfoSec Graduate Certificate Teleconference.
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